TENS and Spasticity in Stroke Patients

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Upper Limb Spasticity, Strength and Functional Status in Stroke Patients

study aims to evaluate the efficacy of high and low frequency TENS on spasticity, strength and functional status in stroke patients. It may provide further knowledge concerning the use of TENS for motor impairments in stroke patients and may clarify ambiguities to some extent.

Despite the positive effects of electrical stimulation proved on motor impairments of affected limb, the evidence is still not conclusive. There still remains a question mark regarding the effectiveness and optimal stimulation parameters of TENS. there has been conflict regarding the TENS parameters (frequency, duration, intensity) among different studies. To date TENS parameters used in different studies to reduce spasticity range from frequency of 1.7-100 Hz, duration from 15-60 minutes and sessions from 1-30. The use of different parameters may account for the contradictory results related to effectiveness of TENS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Both male and female aged 40-70 years
• Middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke
• 6 months after stroke
• Mini-mental state examination (MMSE)more than 24
• Modified Ashworth scale score between1 and 2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury or with other pre-existing neurological disorders.
• Patients with orthopedic condition affecting upper extremity
• Patients with contraindication to TENS, like skin damaged etc.